Stormzy, Lethal Bizzle, Dave, Dappy of N Dubz, Ramz, Big Shaq, Afro B, Yungen and many more UK artists took to the stage at the ‘poignantly’ sold-out show in Brixton O2 Academy.

Friends and family of Cadet – including his cousin Krept, of Krept and Konan – spoke to Metro.co.uk after the show, calling it an emotional time as ‘Cadet never really celebrated his birthday’.

Cadet’s family at The Rated Legend Show on 2 March (Picture: YouTube)

Speaking to us after the show Krept, real name Casyo Johnson, explained why the show was held in his memory.

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‘All proceeds, literally every penny, will be donated to build something chosen by the supporters in Cadet’s name for the community,’ the 29-year-old said. ‘This was a request from his mother to do something for the community.’

He also said: ‘No longer underrated, definitely died as a legend. I want to thank everybody that helped me put this together – the whole team. I’m so glad that everybody came and bought a ticket. You know it’s going to a good cause.’

The Bet Award winner revealed all the proceeds from Saturday’s show will go towards a community-based project ‘that the fans will help decide’.

Krept performing as Krept and Konan during the tribute concert (Picture: YouTube)

During the show, the crowd at the sold-out venue broke into an impromptu and moving chorus of ‘Happy Birthday’ after Cadet’s family was presented with a silver plaque for his track Advice featuring Deno.

The singing was followed by a spontaneous chanting of the late artist’s name, which his friends and family have told us would have ‘surprised’ him as he was always ‘humbled by the support because he rarely believed that people would come out for him’.

The Johnson family spoke to Metro.co.uk about ensuring their son has a ‘lasting legacy.’

Speaking after the event, they said: ‘The Johnson family would like to thank all the fans, family and friends who attended the concert and also the numerous people behind the scenes that made it a success – and not to forget the wonderful artists that all came together to showcase their love and respect for Blaine.

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‘We know that our son would be overwhelmed by the love and the support that was shown and we know that the purpose of this event is to make sure that we leave a lasting legacy of something that we believe you and Blaine would like.

Family of Cadet say that he would have been ‘overwhelmed’ (Picture: YouTube)

‘Again, our heartfelt thanks and we love you.’

Amaru Wilcox of ADTV, a personal friend of Cadet’s, described how hard Krept worked to make the event happen in less than a month after his cousin’s tragic death.

‘Krept was able to secure the Brixton Academy for his birthday. He worked really hard to get this venue and the impromptu singing of Happy Birthday was very emotional,’ Amaru explained.

‘The actual performances were amazing but actually hearing people sing Happy Birthday to Cadet – you actually realise it was his actual birthday and he was just going to be 29,’ he added.

Speaking of his late friend, the media professional said: ‘Cadet was a friend, he was the nicest person that you would meet. Kind-hearted. Loving and welcoming. He treated everyone with respect and he was somebody that all he wanted to do was make music and help his community as well.

‘He was really about impacting the youth via music and trying to find ways to help them find their voices. He would always encourage them to never give up and to keep on going.

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‘He would be so touched and proud that everyone came out for him he wouldn’t even believe it. He very rarely believed that people would come out for him like that even for his own shows. He was always surprised and humbled by the support’.

He had been set to play the Fresh Friday Takeover event at Keele University.

News of his death was confirmed by Cadet’s family, who posted on Twitter: ‘We the family of Blaine Cameron Johnson known as Cadet (Underrated Legend) would like to share the sad news that during the early hours of 9th February 2019 he passed away as a passenger in a taxi, en route to a performance.

‘Right now we the family appreciate your patience and will share with you any information as and when we can. Thanks for your support in advance.

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